I had the chance to briefly chat with Dean Lombardi about the decision to send Brayden Schenn to Manchester of the American Hockey League, now that Schenn’s junior-hockey career is over…
LOMBARDI: “I just think it’s the best place for him to start right now. It’s not like we can’t recall him. He just spent 10 hours on a bus, coming back from that (playoff) game last night, so it’s not really practical to even consider playing here right now, in fairness to him. And actually, in terms of where his development is, it still is the best thing for him. In terms of the team right now, I’m not sure it’s fair to think he’s going to be able to go out there and play at this level. I talked to him at 10 o’clock this morning, and his bus was just getting home. He was just getting in. He had to return my call, because he was just getting off the bus. He had to sleep all day.”
Here’s what Terry Murray said about Schenn’s short-term future…
MURRAY: “All I know is that he has been assigned to Manchester. That means he is available to us. Get down there, and hopefully he gets into some games, playing at that level and just continues with his career, and if there’s a need, we can have him available at any time.”
“It’s not like we can’t recall him.” “We can have him available at any time.”
…and for all of you who want to put this issue to bed? Ain’t gonna happen.
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CB14 Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:24 pm
@wavesinair, Why would they say that? If you’re even thinking about calling him up at some point in the playoffs, do it right now. I don’t understand the point of waiting to call him up possibly in the future. They made a decision, so stick with it. By not calling him up they basically said that they don’t think he’s capable of playing top 6 minutes for this team right now. ( I know they didn’t directly say that, but you have to think that if he was able to be in our top 6 forward spot then he would be here with us right now) JMO. Even if someone gets injured, is that going to change their opinions of his playing level right now? I don’t think so. Another thing, why say travel had anything to do with it? No one was expecting him to play tonight, but he could of traveled this afternoon, due to the time change it wouldn’t be that bad, practice tomorrow, and play on Saturday. I don’t get using the travel as an excuse. I’m not saying not calling him up was a bad decision, just weird answers to why he’s not here, but he might be here later in the playoffs. I don’t get it.
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Moondoggie Reply:
April 15th, 2011 at 12:36 am
@wavesinair, Yep…no question, good call and move by DL. It’s the right thing to do…
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Win D gamezz!
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As I thought, Schenn is going to Man. I think that is the right move, we’ve all had varying opinions on this, but the bottom line is, we need him to develop down there and not burn a year of his contract.
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Moondoggie Reply:
April 15th, 2011 at 12:35 am
@Happy Lappy, Yep!
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Good call
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Rest up buddy, we may call you up for one;)
I bet he plays for one (probably game 3 or 4) –thoughts anyone?
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Happy Lappy Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
@jess, i don’t think so, he’ll be involved with his own team’s playoffs. I could be wrong. If he did come up for one it would make sense to play him on home ice so the Kings fans can cheer him on.
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jess Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
@Happy Lappy,
good point. I’m good with it either way.
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brymaster1 Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
@jess, not gonna happen, that’s what i think.
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egold44 Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@jess, Yes, even 1-game experience in playoffs would be priceless for Schenn. Plus skill is badly needed on Kings right now. Management wouldn’t be expecting much, but the move could pay dividends in post-season and in future years. But, I think we’ll only see Schenn in obvious situations: elimination game if Kings get far down in 1st round series early; 2nd round if opposition is faster/smaller team; etc.
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kingfish Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:28 pm
@jess,
best thing for him is to get 6 months to a year of pro level game before he comes to the NHL. the difference between junior and NHL is massive, the speed the size etc. Let alone stanley cup playoffs. Hes gotta adjust his game up the the pro level and build on that. throwing him in with the big guys could set him back, mess with his confidence and development. Hes gonna be a great player, probably like a brad richards but DL knows they’ve gotta bring him up the right way.
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egold44 Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 6:09 pm
@kingfish, Schenn played 8 games for Kings at start of season. If it weren’t for contractual rules (and WJCs), he arguably would’ve stayed with NHL club for whole year, even if he were scratched 1/2 the time. No question maturation, seasoning, etc. are part of decision, but Moller and Lokti are no more NHL ready.
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DL just happened to call Schenn at 10:00AM after he had been on the bus for ten hours, and Schenn had to call him back. Geez, why didn’t you call him at 8:00AM while he was still on the bus? Way to spin it Deano. May I have some Kool Aid please?
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xeropoint Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:35 pm
@Rainman, Yea, it’s not like he has anything better to do. What a lazy GM you are!
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just my opinion Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:38 pm
@Rainman,
Read it again. Schenn returned the call when he got off the bus. They drove overnight to get back home. Think maybe the players might turn off their cell phones as they were trying to at least rest during that time?
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Speaking of a tight game friggin boston and habs..
–You ask do I want boston? of course I want boston.
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Scot Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@jess,
I’m loving this game!
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xeropoint Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
@jess, Any Kings fan who still has a soul, would never root for the Habs in any situation.
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jess Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
@xeropoint, Yep,
–And now I know better because…
Any french canadien dude tries to come up and measure my stick is gett’n a genuine american ass whoopin haha;)
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Gary Livingston Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
@jess, Habs vs Bruins is always the best in the playoffs ^_^
Go Bruins though!
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Moondoggie Reply:
April 15th, 2011 at 12:38 am
@jess, GO B’s!!!
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I think whether he gets called up first depends on how well he does in AHL playoff games. He would have to be outstanding to get called up.
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I like DL, but his comments are complete obfuscations, portraying an unwillingness to reveal the actual reasoning behind the decision. I guess we should blame Greyhound for the whole affair.
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xeropoint Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:41 pm
@JackKent Cooke, Props for fitting the word obfuscation into a sentence. However I fail to see where it is. He pretty much flatly said that Manchester was the best place for him at this stage. The follow up about the whole bus story is just a reason he’s not called up TODAY.
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JackKent Cooke Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:59 pm
@xeropoint,
The whole bus thing is nonsense. As all politicians know, one speaks nonsense when one does not want to speak the truth. Let’s take up a collection and get Schenn a cell phone that works on a bus.
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LucLivesOn Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:57 pm
@JackKent Cooke, You’re right fire DL after all he stupidly made this team a Cup contender for years to came, we can’t have THAT now can we? After all, where would all the negative comments come from anyways!! Go KINGS Go!!
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JackKent Cooke Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 6:23 pm
@LucLivesOn, Whoa Nellie. What didn’t you understand about “I like DL”. I just think in this case he isn’t being straight. I am not questioning his professional judgment, just his frankness. Logically this decision rests on economics not skill. I guess it was a fluke that Schenn was one of the three stars earlier this year in Vancouver of all places. DL may also feel we can’t be San Jose in a 7 game series with or without Schenn, so why burn a year on the contract. But a 20-year-old athlete being worn out from a bus ride……….? Did he ask Schenn how he felt? “Hey Branden, would you rather get a chance in the playoffs or would you rather take a nap?”
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Okay. Fine. If they keep letting the opposition take runs at Handzus, we’ll have no choice but to call up Schenn just to field a team. Seriously, I am so glad Williams is back, but the runs on Handzus’ head 2 games in a row a while back, and soon-to-be Williams’ shoulder are going to be a problem.
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1 game in the playoffs isn’t worth burning a year of his contract. The Kings aren’t a Brayden Schenn away from making noise in these playoffs. If he’s the player we all hope he’ll be then we should wait. He showed he wasn’t quite ready when given a chance earlier in the season. That he played well against youngsters was nice to see, but expected. In my opinion the Kings success or failure in the postseason will be a direct result of how well their defense and goaltending performs. Oh, and there’s that little issue of the powerplay. Can’t wait. Go Kings!
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Everything DL and TM are saying is even a bigger argument in favor bringing Schenn up. With their reasoning, it sounds like they’re confident that the Kings are good to go offensively. In my opinion, they’re defeating themselves with this strategy. Here’s the big question: From a pure hockey point of view, is it hurting the team bringing Schenn up now? We all Can Agree: No it isn’t. Let him rest in California and not play game 1. If they recall him from Manchester, he has to travel across the country. This again is the thinking that goes into not winning a series in a decade. Unbelievable! Just as crazy as TM saying he’ll play Quick every game no matter what.
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jess Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:38 pm
@Poorman,
look it’s obvious that “we don’t get it” and they have a long, incrimental plan which should land us a cup by the year 2314.
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Poorman Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:41 pm
@jess, hahahahhah Yeah dude!!!!!
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xeropoint Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
@Poorman, So the fact that they believe the kid isn’t ready for NHL playoff hockey, after completing his junior season, is a reason he should be playing tonight? I don’t follow your logic.
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jess Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
@xeropoint, I was just having fun dumping lighter fluid on a bonfire and wanted to make poorman lol but seriously, kid needs to rest imho and whether they call him up or not, I’m fine with it either way.
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xeropoint Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
@jess, Not directed at you. My opinion is that you make this place better, no matter the topic!
Poorman Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
@xeropoint, Read Dillon’s comment. That’s the way I feel. You can’t disagree with that analysis dude.
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xeropoint Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
@Poorman, Oh I certainly can. It’s not a decision between Schenn vs. Westgarth. I am by no means a fan of him (Westy) but these are two completely different players who fill two completely different roles. Disregarding the fact that he is a kid fresh out of Juniors, he is a center. A projected top six center. Playing 4-6 minutes on wing against pro’s is not going to help either him, or the team.
Hmmm.
Westgarth.
Schenn.
Can only have one of them…
Who to pick???
Who’s the better player???
I think this one is gonna take some in-depth analysis to figure out, boys.
Skating – Schenn is better.
Speed – Schenn is better.
Agility – Schenn is better.
Balance – Schenn is better.
Size/strength – Westgarth is better.
Passing – Schenn is better.
Shooting – Schenn is better.
Stickhandling – Schenn is better.
Hockey sense – Schenn is better.
Two-way play – Schenn is better.
Ability to not be the worst player on the ice every game he is dressed – Schenn is better.
I can see why Murray chose Westgarth. Size and strength is certainly more important than every other part of the game, combined.
If the coaches made the right decisions, and the Kings played their game, they would at least have a decent chance. People don’t realize that. This team has (had) a chance to upset the Sharks here. Losing Kopitar is not EVERYTHING. However, losing Kopitar, AND the coaches making the worst choice out of three-four options (Schenn is better than Westgarth, Moller is better than Westgarth, anyone is better than Westgarth), that’s too much to overcome. Murray is digging a grave for his team.
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Poorman Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:43 pm
@Dillon, Incredible, the people who run the Kings. I luv the fans who say the administration knows way more than we do. Prove it. Win a series someday. Not bringing up Schenn is astounding.
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xeropoint Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
@Poorman, It’s not really astounding. It’s a sound decision. Are there better options than Westgarth? Definitely. Schenn could be one of them, for all I know. That doesn’t make the desicion wrong, though. It’s a gamble to play a kid out of juniors, with 4-5 rookies already playing in an NHL playoff game against men, who have been to the dance before. It has to happen for him someday but now is NOT the time.
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You know….here is my theory.
I am not sure they have made a final decision on Schenn. He was worthless for tonight’s game anyways, due to travel from last night. Therefore, there was no reason to call him up yet. So they assigned him to Manchester. Gives the Kings tonight to evaluate Williams’ health and how some of our slumping Kings will respond to the playoffs. Smith, Penner, Poni, etc.
I dont think they are going to call him up, but I dont think they have decided. He wouldnt have played until game 2 anyways so todays announcement is meaningless.
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Why not fly Brayden Schenn down to L.A., rest him, have him practice with the team (when they get back from S.J.)at full speed and see how he does and feels at this level. It might turn out that he fits in and can be an asset right away.
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